Page 32 of A Me and Him Thing
We spend a few minutes composing ourselves. Then I say, “So, I brought something for you too.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I mean, not from a store. Something else.” I can see the trepidation in her eyes. I don’t blame her.
“Okay.”
“It wasn’t long before you returned home that Sawyer finally let me clean out your closet. If I hadn’t pushed, your belongings still would’ve been there, just the way you left them. He couldn’t part with them.”
She nods, encouraging me to go on. I lean down and pull out the final item from my bag. When she sees the box, she gasps, and I can tell she knows exactly what it is.
“I stumbled across this box and opened it up. At first, I wondered what all these papers with love song titles written on them were and why you were saving them. I recognized Sawyer’s handwriting and kept digging deeper. That’s when I found his love letters to you.”
Her hand covers her mouth and tears drip down her cheeks.
“Don’t ask me why I saved the box. I don’t really know myself. I guess I always loved your love story. Truth be told, that’s what I fell in love with. But it’s not mine. It’s your love story, and it’s time for this box to return to its rightful owner.” It’s not exactly the apology I owe her, but close enough.
Quinn gets up and wraps her arms around me so tightly, I nearly object.
“I thought it was gone forever. Thank you, Bree.” She wipes at her tears. “Sorry, it’s just hormones…I mean, it’s just me.”
She takes her seat, her arms wrapped tightly about the treasured box. That’s when I notice the small bag of saltine crackers sitting on the table next to the ginger ale.
Hormones? Saltine crackers? Ginger ale?
“Are you…”
Her expression turns evasive. “Um…yes.”
Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I take a deep cleansing breath. I knew her relationship with Sawyer had been renewed. But this evidence of its renewal leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
“I’m surprised Sawyer allowed that to happen so soon.”
“It wasn’t planned. And if he makes me lie down one more time, I will run down the street naked while yellinghelp.”
Tension seeps from my body as she resurrects our private joke. “And I’ll video it and put it on YouTube.”
“Deal.”
Our countenances are somber as we take each other in, then small, hesitant smiles overtake our faces.
I think all is forgiven between us. More importantly, I thinkI’mgoing to be okay. It’s the first time I’ve been able to think those words since Sawyer ended things. It’s been rough. Rougher than I thought.
“I guess congratulations are in order,” I say, trying to be upbeat. “A new little one, huh? Maybe our babies will play together.” If things work out with Ren and we decide to adopt, it’s possible.
“Maybe they’ll be best friends.”
I turn and watch Josie and Jordyn as they spin their Barbie ballerinas in the air.
Maybe. Just maybe.
Chapter Nine
ISWING INTOa parking spot and stare at the incredible ocean view.
I love Newport. It’s such a beautiful seaside town, especially in August. But it’s not my home. It’s Sawyer and Quinn’s home. My home is in Portland.
I did it. I just visited Quinn for the first time since I left three months ago.
